Brandy McDonnell
Kingston,TN
Summary
Professional equestrian with strong expertise in horseback riding instruction. Proven ability to develop tailored training programs, enhance rider and horse performance, and ensure safety. Strong focus on fostering teamwork and adapting to changing needs, ensuring reliable and results-driven instruction. Highly skilled in horse care, training techniques, and rider development, with dependable and flexible approach.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
CEO
Blue Point Stables
03.2000 - Current
- Inspected, prepared, cleaned, disinfected, and maintained comfortable horse stable and enclosures.
- Scheduled farrier and vet appointments regularly.
- Maintained animal health records, treating minor injuries, and reporting serious injuries to owners for consultation with veterinarians.
- Promoted a safe and comfortable environment for horses, ensuring proper care and attention to their physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.
- Instructed students in horsemanship and specific riding skills in both English and Western riding styles.
- Instilled basics of horsemanship and riding in beginners, first-time or occasional riders, refining knowledge, and skills of more advanced riders.
- Fit gear for horses and specific riders.
- Assisted owners in addressing specific behavioral issues through targeted training techniques, fostering better communication between horse and rider.
- Established a professional reputation as a reliable, skilled horse trainer capable of producing consistent results while prioritizing the safety and well-being of each equine athlete under their care.
- Managed feeding, rugging and general stable procedures, communicating issues, or significant maintenance requirements to management when necessary.
- Taught students show jumping, eventing, and dressage, drilling technique and driving improvement through constructive criticism.
- Provided expert guidance to clients seeking advice on purchasing new or additional horses, assessing suitability based on intended use and compatibility with existing equines.
- Managed inventory of training equipment, maintaining quality control and ensuring proper maintenance to prolong use and maximize efficiency.
- Served as a knowledgeable resource regarding diverse breeds of horses, offering guidance on selecting appropriate animals based on intended use or competition discipline.
- Directed other horse trainers and stable hands to complete training and maintenance tasks requested by owners or needing urgent attention.
- Streamlined scheduling processes by implementing time-saving software solutions that improved communication between trainers, riders, and stable staff members.
- Resolved behavioral issues in horses with targeted training interventions, ensuring they remained valuable assets to their owners.
- Established reputation for excellence in horse training, attracting clients seeking high-quality training services.
- Organized community events to showcase horses' capabilities, enhancing public engagement and support for training facility.
Assistant Horse Trainer
Paradise Manor
07.1998 - 11.1999
- Assisted in transporting horses to horse shows, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey for the animals.
- Established strong rapport with horse owners, providing regular updates on their animals'' development and answering any questions or concerns they may have.
- Supported younger or inexperienced staff members in learning proper horse handling techniques, promoting a positive work environment for all team members.
- Rode horses in training sessions and provided feedback on track performance.
- Modified undesirable behaviors with use of successful and safe behavior modifications techniques.
- Utilized positive reinforcement techniques to successfully train animals.
- Prepared horses for specific competitions or tasks.
Assistant Horse Trainer
Deforest Quarter Horses
09.1994 - 05.1995
- Provided hands-on guidance during training sessions, correcting any issues with gait or posture as necessary to optimize performance.
- Enhanced horse performance by implementing customized training programs tailored to individual needs and abilities.
- Ensured safe and clean living environments for horses by overseeing stable management and daily care routines.
- Provided treatment for minor horse injuries.
- Coached and trained students in basic care and maintenance of horses and stables in addition to riding technique, form, and skills.
- Rode horses in training sessions and provided feedback on performance.
- Prepared horses for specific competitions or tasks.
Skills
- Stable management
- Client relationship building
- First aid training
- Teaching techniques
- Equine behavior
- Group instruction
- Nutrition
- Basic veterinary skills
- Tack care
- Individual coaching
- Riding styles proficiency
- Jumping techniques
- Dressage fundamentals
- Saddling techniques
- Marketing and promotion
- Equestrian equipment maintenance
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking Abilities
- Reliability
- Critical thinking
- Classroom management
- Active listening
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Decision-making
- Professional ethics
- Lesson planning
- Self motivation
- Goal setting
- Public speaking
- Student assessment
- Continuing education
Accomplishments
- 1994 Certified by Canadian Equestrian Federation as a Western Coach
- 1994 Graduated from Fairview College with a diploma in Farrier Science
- 2000 – 2007 Trained, competed on and coached Multiple World and Congress Champions
- 2004 AQHA Professional Horseman of the Year for Tennessee
- 2004 – 2006 Approved Judge for Pinto Horse Association, American Buckskin Registry Association, Pony of Americas
- 2004 AQHA World Show Finalist – Jr. Trail
- 2014 Certified by the Certified Horsemanship Association as a Master Instructor
- 2017 to 2023 Coach with the Interscholastic Equestrian Association
- 2025 achieved Assistant Certifier Status with the Certified Horsemanship Association
Timeline
CEO
Blue Point Stables
03.2000 - Current
Assistant Horse Trainer
Paradise Manor
07.1998 - 11.1999
Assistant Horse Trainer
Deforest Quarter Horses
09.1994 - 05.1995
Similar Profiles
Casey FeltsCasey Felts
Equine Stall Cleaner at Blue Ribbon StablesEquine Stall Cleaner at Blue Ribbon Stables
Matthew MarcianoMatthew Marciano
Head Food Runner / Busser at Blue Point GrillHead Food Runner / Busser at Blue Point Grill
null null
Builder Architect at BLUE POINT ENGINEERING CONSULTANTBuilder Architect at BLUE POINT ENGINEERING CONSULTANT
Thomas JosephThomas Joseph
Security Police Officer at CNS Y-12Security Police Officer at CNS Y-12
Randi WrightRandi Wright
Elderly Caretaker at Self Employed ServicesElderly Caretaker at Self Employed Services